COMMUNITY leaders who are passionate about Leicester have been appointed to lead roles in the Government’s Pride in Place Programme (PiPP).
The Government has selected three parts of Leicester – covering Braunstone Park West, Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall, and Eyres Monsell – to be part of the Programme, which will see £20 million invested in each area over the next ten years. The Programme represents a long-term investment in local communities and aims to ensure local voices are at the heart of decision-making.
Leicester City Council has worked with local MPs to recruit independent chairs for each Pride in Place neighbourhood board. The chairs will now lead the formation of their neighbourhood boards, bringing together local residents, business, and partners to help shape plans for their communities.
The chairs bring a range of local knowledge, community connections and leadership experience to the programme.
In Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall, Mohammed Lockhat and Derry Hand have been appointed as co-chairs of the local Pride in Place neighbourhood board
Mohammed is co-founder of the Peace Centre, based in Thurncourt. From there, he co-ordinates the local food bank and is also lead Imam at the centre’s As Salaam Mosque.
He said: “I look forward to working with residents, partners, and local groups to build a transparent, community-led vision for Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall that reflects our shared priorities and creates lasting, positive change for everyone.
“My approach is simple: listen to people, understand their needs and work with others to find practical solutions. I am committed to helping residents feel heard, supported, and proud of the place they call home.”
Derry Hand currently serves as chairman of Leicester Navy Cadets, based at Thurnby Lodge Community Centre, where he helps oversee activities that support young people to develop confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. He has been involved in a number of local initiatives, including supporting the annual Thurnby Lodge Remembrance Parade.
Derry said: "Supporting young people and strengthening communities has always been at the heart of what I do, and I look forward to building on the strengths of Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall, creating new opportunities, and working with residents and partners to help us all feel proud of the area.”
In Braunstone Park West, Dave Bennett MBE has been appointed as chair for the Pride in Place neighbourhood board and Daisy Richards as vice-chair. Dave is headteacher at The Winstanley School, as well as a member of One Church and a trustee for Leicester’s Open Hands charity.
Dave said: “My work at The Winstanley School has made me aware of the many challenges that people in the Braunstone area face. I am very excited about my role as chair of the neighbourhood board in Braunstone Park West and having the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of those living in the area.”
Daisy, who was born and raised in Braunstone, works as a communications and engagement manager at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, and also supports local youth organisations and charities, leading on bid-writing, public engagement and marketing materials. She is a passionate advocate for grassroots community action.
Daisy said: “I am excited to take up the role of Pride in Place vice-chair in Braunstone, working alongside local people and partners to strengthen community engagement and ensure that those in the area feel valued and heard as part of this important programme. Together, we will deliver lasting, locally-led change from the ground up, supporting what matters most, where it matters most.”
For the Eyres Monsell Pride in Place Programme, the new chair is Robert Martin, who is chief executive of Menphys, a local charity supporting disabled children and their families. He has worked across health, charity leadership, SEND advocacy, governance and community development, with a particular focus on improving outcomes for children, young people and families who are too often left out of decision-making. He said: “I am committed to supporting a community-led vision that reflects local strengths, listens carefully to the residents and helps turn long-term investment into lasting, visible change.”
Dan James is vice-chair in Eyres Monsell. He has lived in Eyres Monsell since 2013 and has developed strong connections across the community through his work in education, faith and local engagement. As a former teacher at Rolleston Primary School and currently pastor of Eyres Monsell Community Church, he has extensive experience working with local children, families and community organisations. He said: “I am passionate about Eyres Monsell and proud to call it home. I am delighted to take on the role of vice-chair and I look forward to helping deliver lasting improvements that reflect the priorities of the local community.”
Andrew Shilliam, director of corporate services at the council said: “I’m delighted to welcome these leaders to the Pride in Place Programme, bringing with them a wealth of experience, enthusiasm and local knowledge.
“Pride in Place is community-led and will be shaped by local residents and organisations. Now that chairs have been appointed, the next stage is to set up neighbourhood boards. Once established, the boards will listen and learn about the views, experiences and aspirations of people living and working in the area to develop a long-term plan for the neighbourhood and its communities.”
Led by the independent chairs, Pride in Place neighbourhood boards will be formed of mainly local people, including residents and representatives from local businesses, community organisations and other partners. The local MP and at least one ward councillor will also be members.
Chairs are now inviting people living and working in the three Pride in Place areas to submit an expression of interest to join the board. Anyone interested can find out more by filling in the form at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/0PGU84YFd9 by the closing date of Wednesday 29 July.
Alongside this, there will be opportunities for everyone to help shape local priorities through a programme of community engagement. More information about how to get involved will be released over the summer.
The Government announced in September 2025 that Leicester would receive funding from its Pride in Place Programme. The city council was not involved in the selection of areas, but has been asked to act as accountable body on the government’s behalf, which means it will provide the governance, financial oversight and administrative support needed to help deliver the programme.
More information on the programme is available on gov.uk and at leicester.gov.uk/pride-in-place
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